Paroxysmal ataxic dysarthria

This report reviews 13 cases in which a dysarthria appeared, remitted, and reappeared within seconds. The speech pattern of each case was characteristic of ataxic dysarthria. A cinefluorographic film for one of the subjects provided a rare opportunity to study the articulatory dynamics of this disorder. Multiple sclerosis either was given as a diagnosis or was strongly suspected in each case, and carbamazepine has been an effective treatment. Speculations concerning the origin of the paroxysmal and ataxic character of the dysarthria are presented along with a preliminary checklist for identifying the disorder.